Brighton and Hove charity celebrates 25 years of support

Off the Fence tackles “social and spiritual poverty” in Brighton and Hove, and will mark the quarter of a century milestone with a celebration service in June.

The charity began its work in 1997, spearheaded by husband-and-wife team Paul and Wendy Young, to offer advise and support to homeless people.

Now, Off the Fence operates with 150 paid and unpaid staff, offering support and delivering essentials to homeless people in the city.

Paul Young started the Brighton and Hove homeless charity in 1997

Paul said: “Over 25 years of serving the city, we have had a good amount of support, and are proud to have politicians, councillors, business people, musicians and sports celebrities as patrons.

“Together we need each other to make Brighton and Hove a truly better place to live.”

Off the Fence has been entrusted with over £9 million in donations during its lifetime, as they battle to “balance the social and economic scales” in Brighton and Hove.

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Paul and the team recently introduced the Gateway centre for women in need of a safe space during times of crisis or difficulty.

The charity’s celebration service will be held at the AMEX on Saturday, June 18.